TIRE SELECTION

When selecting Kenda tyres for your motorcycle be sure they meet the requirements of the motorcycle, your intended use, match up with your wheels/rims, have proper speed rating and load carrying capacity. Contact Kenda for more information.

FRONT/REAR TyRE MATCHING

Tyres designated as front wheel fitment should only be mounted in the front position. Likewise, tyres designated for rear wheel fitment should only be mounted in the rear position. Mixing new and used front and rear tyres, and visa versa, can cause instability and unpredictable handling. Likewise, mixing radials and non-radials can also cause the same issues. Kenda recommends that you do not mix either of these, as it is unsafe.

TUBES

When fitting a new tyre on a wheel/rim requiring a tube, a new tube should be installed at the same time. Old tubes become stretched and if an old tube is fitted within a new tyre, it can crease and fail due to thinning of the tube rubber. Kenda does not recommend repairing tubes. Make sure to check the size marking on the tube to be sure it matches your tyre size. Do not fit Kenda tubes in radial motorcycle tyres. 

TyRE PRESSURES & TyRE INSPECTION

Always check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold and inspect for your tyres wear and possible damage before each ride. It is by far the most important function of tyre maintenance you can perform. If you add heavier loads or another passenger to your motorcycle, a higher tyre pressure is required. However, never exceed maximum load indicated on tyre sidewall or vehicle capacity load found in owner’s manual. Under inflated tyres can result in tire failure. Contact Kenda and consult your owners manual for more information.

SPEED RATINGS

Speed ratings are recognized by the Industry Standards Organization (ISO). Always match the tyre speed rating to your motorcycle requirement. Contact Kenda or consult your owners manual for more information. 

RUN-IN PERIOD

New tyres should not be subjected to maximum power or extreme cornering until the new tyre has traveled at least 100 miles (160km). This will allow the rider to get used to the feel of the tyres and their performance characteristics. Remember a new tyre has very different performance characteristics than a used tyre of the same make/model.

TyRE REPAIR AND MODIFICATION

Kenda does not recommend repairing tyres. Kenda also does not condone the use of liquid sealants as a tyre repair device. Kenda does not recommend ANY type of tyre modification. Instead, faulty tyres should be replaced with comparable new tyres.

WHEELS & TyRE BALANCE

It is crucial that tyre and wheel assemblies be balanced properly before use. Unbalanced tyre and wheel assemblies can potentially lead to tyre failure. Bent or cracked wheels/rims should be replaced immediately. Contact your Kenda tyre dealer to ensure proper tire to wheel installation and balancing.

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITIES

Make sure your tyres have a sufficient load carrying capacity for your vehicle and added weight. When calculating your load capacity, take into account the weight of the motorcycle, the weight of any additional luggage or gear, and whether you carry passengers. Proper tyre inflation is necessary when making this calculation. Never exceed the vehicle load capacity noted on the VIN plate, in your motorcycle owner’s manual, or the maximum load noted on your tyres sidewall.

TyRE INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING

Kenda does not recommend installing your own tires or tubes. Contact your Kenda tyre dealer to ensure proper installation & mounting.

TREAD DEPTH

Make sure to replace tyres before they reach their tread wear indicator bars (1/32” tread depth remaining). Excessive tread wear can result in tyre failure.